Fingertip protector for a person playing a stringed instrument

ABSTRACT

A fingertip covering device for allowing a player of a stringed musical instrument to manipulate the stings with high dexterity while minimizing fingertip damage. The device extends from the fingertip region of the finger to about the distal interphlangeal joint region of the player&#39;s finger. The covering is made from a variable-thickness deformable polymer with a maximum thickness at the fingertip, and a minimum thickness at the sides of the finger. The maximum thickness of the covering device is chosen to substantially protect the user&#39;s fingertip region from damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact (about 1 mm), while at the same time allowing the user&#39;s fingertips to continue to sense the presence of said string. The minimum thickness of the covering device (about 0.3 mm) minimizes contact or interference with neighboring fingers and/or any similar coverings being worn by the neighboring fingers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent 61/463,665, entitled “Fingertip protector for a person playing a stringed instrument”, Inventor James Grant McJunkin, filed Feb. 22, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to finger protection devices in general, and more particularly relates to a device used to provide protection from pain that is commonly experienced when depressing strings in the playing of a stringed musical instrument.

2. Description of the Related Art

In playing a stringed musical instrument, one typically depresses the instrument's strings against a rigid neck or fingerboard in order to create a specifically desired note or tonal sound. The inherent high string tension, combined with very small string diameter, causes considerable pressure to be exerted on very small, localized areas of the sensitive fingertip ends. Due to this pressure, beginner players, or more experienced players who play infrequently, commonly experience fingertip pain for a lengthy period of time until the fingertips can naturally develop calluses. Once calluses develop, the pain experienced becomes minimal due to the tougher, protective callus layer, but until the callus is developed, the player is subjected to a significant amount of pain and discomfort.

The use of gloves, finger cots, or stalls, in general, to protect hands and fingers from environmental and special use hazards is well known in the prior art. These devices, with their evolution of structural and material modifications, have well served the majority of both general and specialized use intentions and applications.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,881 to Field, discloses an aesthetically pleasing sheath-type finger guard to protect and cover an injured finger.

Another sheath-type protective device, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,868 B1 to Wanzenried, discloses a sleeve adapted to fit over the finger of a wearer, and a flexible strip. This invention type, like the Field patent, is constructed by having a bulk of material extending along the fingertip's side surface.

Another area of fingertip protector attempts is the class of thimble-type devices, these being constructed of both flexible and inflexible materials, and primarily adapted to serve as protection to those engaged in sewing, stitching, or quilting. These devices typically incorporate a rigid or semi-rigid material into the local area near the fingertip in order to prevent puncture or pain when applying pressure to push a needle through the material being sewn.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,854 to Apple, teaches a quilting and sewing fingertip protective device comprising a thin metal or hard plastic disc formed into a portion of a spherical shell. It is secured to the fingertip by means of a disposable adhesive pad.

Additionally, various finger cot or finger stall type device offerings are available in a variety of materials designed for many uses. However virtually all current finger cot and finger stall configurations offer only constant thickness material distribution, excepting some peripheral variations such as protruding nubs or ridges to enhance grip.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based, in part, on the insight that prior art finger protectors are not optimally designed for the purposes of protecting the fingertips while playing a stringed instrument with high dexterity. This is because typically multiple fingers on the same hand must be protected. However the increase in finger diameter caused by wearing multiple protectors increases the risk that the user's fingers and fingertip protectors will rub against each other.

This effect is unfortunate, because the users must be able to continue to manipulate their fingers with high dexterity. If not, accidental contact between neighboring fingers can interfere with playing the musical instrument, leading to clumsy fingering and sour notes.

The invention is also based, in part, on the insight that although the sides of the fingertip protectors must be as thin as possible in order to minimize accidental contact between neighboring fingers, the tip of the fingertip protectors must generally be of more substantial thickness. That is, the tips of the fingertip protectors must be thick enough to adequately protect the user's fingertips, yet not be so thick or rigid that the user cannot feel the underlying string. Here again, for optimal musical performance, the user must be able to sense the presence of the underlying string in order to determine optimum finger positioning and finger pressure.

Thus in one embodiment, the invention may be a fingertip covering device for allowing a player of a fingertip manipulated stringed musical instrument to continue to manipulate the stings with high dexterity, while minimizing fingertip damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact. The device will generally comprise a fingertip covering extending from at least the fingertip region of the finger to at most the distal interphlangeal joint region and the distal half of the middle phalanx of the player's finger. This covering will comprise a variable-thickness deformable polymer with a maximum thickness at the fingertip, and a minimum thickness at the sides of the finger. The maximum thickness of the covering device will generally be chosen to be sufficient to substantially protect the user's fingertip region from damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact, while at the same time allowing the user's fingertips to continue to sense the presence of said string. By contrast, the minimum thickness of the covering device will be chosen to minimize contact or interference with neighboring fingers and/or any similar coverings being worn by the neighboring fingers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, showing its simple one piece construction.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway section perspective view of the present invention, showing the important thickness distribution which is denoted by the hatched line-work.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a finger in position prior, to insertion into the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a finger, having been inserted into the present invention, and with the device's elastic (stretched condition) perimeter surface secured to the distal portion of the fingertip and shown as a broken line.

FIG. 5 is an environmental front view of a finger, with the present invention attached, in the act of depressing a guitar string. This figure also shows the conformable tip characteristics of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a finger, with the present invention in place, in the act of depressing a guitar string. Here the device's protective cushion-tip area is shown as a broken line. A non-depressed string is also shown for reference.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the device's simple, molded, one piece construction.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway section perspective of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. This shows the critical characteristics of the device's material distribution, and this is also denoted by hatched line work.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a finger in position, prior to insertion into an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a finger, here shown inserted into an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Here the device's elastic (stretched condition) perimeter surface is secured to the end of the fingertip, and this is shown as a broken line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As previously discussed, although various prior art fingertip protectors are available for various applications, none have been proposed that can provide for the stringed musical instrument playing requirements met by this present invention: unencumbered freedom of finger movement, with fingertip-end-specific pressure protection, while maintaining sensitivity and minimizing adjacent finger movement interference.

For example, the previously discussed Field device (U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,881) does not place material specifically and only at the fingertip end, and would therefore obstruct the high level of dexterity required in the discrimination of, and depressing of, the strings of a musical instrument.

Similarly, the previously discussed Wanzenried device (U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,868) is constructed having a bulk of material extending along the fingertip's side surface, which greatly interferes with adjacent fingers and their required movement past one another when playing a stringed instrument.

Rigid thimble type devices are clearly inadequate for these purposes, because they create a substantial pattern of interference between adjacent fingers, and they interfere with the user's ability to feel the presence of the underlying string.

Similarly, the Apple device (U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,854) is also problematic, in that it is designed to fit the underside of the fingertip, rather than the fingertip end, as is a requirement for the purpose of playing a stringed instrument. The Apple device also fails to be compliant and flexible as is required in the present invention. Thirdly, the Apple device contour does not taper in thickness to merge with the fingertip at its edges, as is a requirement the present invention in order to minimize accidentally dislodging the device.

By contrast, the present invention provides a fingertip protector to protect the fingertips of a wearer engaged in playing a stringed instrument (e.g. Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Violin, Ukulele, etc). The fingertip protector device compromises a small convexly shaped semi-spherical end which transitions to a roughly tubular shaped perimeter, made of elastomeric material that is shaped to conform easily to the distal portion of the somewhat semi-spherical, convex-shaped fingertip. The device will generally have a section characteristic in which the thickest distribution of material occurs at the center, this being the point of greatest contact pressure when fingering strings. From the thicker midpoint (approximately 1 mm), the section may diminish progressively in thickness out to the device perimeter where the thickness is becomes minimal (approximately 0.3 mm). The resulting thin, stretchable sheath perimeter allows the device to conform naturally to fit the wearer's unique distal fingertip contour, thus assuring touch sensitivity and avoiding interference to fingertip dexterity. The sheath's elastic perimeter may be fitted in a stretched condition which serves to secure the device to the fingertip.

In some embodiments, these fingertip protectors may be supplied in a package or kit consisting of perhaps four protector devices per package (e.g. covering all of the fingers of the user's hand). These devices may be either be configured to be durable enough to provide many use occasions, or alternatively the devices may be alternatively provided in an adhesively applied version that may even be intended to be single use only.

Accordingly, one object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector that protects a wearer's fingertip from the pain associated with applying pressure to the strings of a stringed instrument.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector that has minimal impact on finger movement and fingertip dexterity, and allows tactile sensitivity to remain substantially unimpaired.

It is another object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector that may be secured to a wearer's fingertip by means of its stretch fit qualities.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector device that is simple to use and can be positioned on the distal portion of the fingertip precisely and only where the protection is needed.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector device that is to be offered in various basic size sets, each of those sets accommodating size variations of the fingers within the user's hand.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a fingertip protector device that is reusable and inexpensive to manufacture.

In an alternative embodiment, it may be an alternative object of the invention to offer the device an inexpensive disposable version, optionally secured by adhesive. This alternative embodiment will otherwise generally meet the same objectives of the reusable version, however.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like elements, FIG. 1 shows a fingertip protector or fingertip covering device 11 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The protector 11 comprises a one piece device, molded of elastomeric, compliant material, having an open round shape in top view; a finger shaped roughly tubular body, and a convex, semi-spherical shape closed end. The broken line and grain pattern denote the area of increasing thickness, the cushioned tip 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, the fingertip protector 11 is shown in a cutaway perspective condition and exposing its important section features, those being, having the thickest distribution of material 12, approximately 1 mm, located in the tip end area of pressure normally experienced when depressing a string while playing a stringed instrument, and that distribution of material 13 decreasing to an absolute minimum, approximately 0.3 mm. as it approaches the outer perimeter edge of the fingertip protector 11, thus minimizing interference with adjacent fingers while playing and also the possibility of unintentional dislodging of the device from the fingertip.

Referring to FIG. 3, the method of affixing the protector 11 to a wearer's finger 16 will be described. A finger 16 is shown in position prior to insertion into a fingertip protector 11. The fingertip protector 11 is about to be stretched to allow insertion of the distal portion finger 16.

As previously discussed, the fingertip covering will typically extend from at least the fingertip region of the finger 10A to at most the distal interphlangeal joint region 16A, and the distal half of the middle phalanx of said finger (16B).

As previously discussed, the covering will generally comprise a variable-thickness deformable polymer with a maximum thickness at the fingertip (10A) and a minimum thickness at the sides of the finger. This maximum thickness will generally be chosen to be sufficient to substantially protect the user's fingertip region from damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact while at the same time allowing the fingertips to continue to sense the presence of said string.

Often the covering will be formed from a variable thickness deformable and at least partially transparent non-allergenic polymer with a maximum thickness at the fingertip and a minimum thickness at the side of said finger. Suitable polymers include vinyl, latex, silicon, polyisoprene polymer or other substantially non-allergenic polymers. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is a substantially transparent polymer, thus providing a visually inconspicuous covering for the stringed instrument player's fingers. However colored versions (e.g. blue, etc.) may also be provided as desired.

In order to be hard (e.g. rigid) enough to protect the user's fingers, yet be deformable enough to allow the user to continue to sense the string, in a preferred embodiment, the polymer will be selected to have a Shore hardness between approximately 20 and 60, and often around 40. Here the Shore hardness or Shore durometer is a commonly used measurement of the hardness of a material (e.g. the material's resistance to indentation). Here this measurement corresponds to the region between extra soft and soft polymers.

As previously discussed, the device's maximum thickness will usually chosen to be sufficient to substantially protect said the user's fingertip region from damage caused by string to fingertip contact, while at the same time allowing the user's fingertips to continue to sense the presence of said string. Often, the maximum thickness will be between about 0.9 mm and 1.6 mm

The device's minimum thickness will usually be chosen to minimize contact or interference with neighboring fingers and/or any similar coverings being worn by said neighboring fingers. Often this minimum to maximum ratio is between approximately 1:2 to 1:10, and will often be in about the 1:3 to 1:4 range.

Further, the fingertip covering will usually have inner dimensions chosen to substantially conform to the dimensions of the player's fingers that are covered by the covering. These can be calculated by, for example, measuring the diameter of one or more of the player's finger or fingers at, for example, at the finger's distal interphlangeal joint region, and then using this measurement, often in conjunction with one or more look up tables or equations describing a typical user's finger dimensions, to calculate the suitable inner dimensions based on these measurements.

In use, after applying this fingertip covering to those fingertips where protection is desired, the user will then play the fingertip manipulated stringed musical instrument using fingers protected by these fingertip covering(s).

Referring to FIG. 4, a wearer's finger 16 is shown with the fingertip protector 11 secured in its position and ready for playing a stringed instrument. Note the now conforming shape of the fingertip protector 11. The thicker cushioned tip 10 area is indicated by a broken line and shown in direct contact with the fingertip end 16.

Referring to FIG. 5, this environmental view looks at the underside of the wearer's finger 16, (as if looking from the instrument neck surface), and illustrates the relationship of the affixed fingertip protector 11 as it depresses a string 17 a of a stringed instrument.

Referring to FIG. 6, this environmental side view shows the wearer's finger 16 with a fingertip protector 11 affixed while in the act of depressing a string 17 a against the neck surface of a typical stringed instrument 18. This drawing illustrates how the fingertip protector 11 absorbs the localized string pressure while spreading and diminishing the pressure seen by the wearer's fingertip 16, that absorbing thickness 10 illustrated by a broken line. A non-depressed string 17 b position is shown for reference. After its use, the fingertip protector 11 may be easily removed from the fingertip and retained for future use.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, a second embodiment of the present invention shows the important section configuration details of those referenced in FIG. 2 description above, the thicker center distribution of material 21 diminishing to a very thin 22 distribution progressing out to the nearly knife edge. This second embodiment fingertip protector 19 exists as an independent, semi-spherical pad, without the securing tubular sheath portion of the preferred invention. In this embodiment configuration the fingertip protector 19 has the inner surface 20 coated with an elastomeric type adhesive in order to facilitate secure bonding to the wearer's fingertip. This second embodiment version 19 is intended to be inexpensive and disposable following removal from use.

Referring to FIG. 9, in this environmental view, a second embodiment of the present invention, the fingertip protector 19 is shown in position and ready for the fingertip 16 to be pressed into place within its roughly conical interior 20.

Referring to FIG. 10, this environmental view of the second embodiment shows the fingertip 16, having been inserted into place and in close bonded contact with the roughly conical and adhesively coated interior 20 of the fingertip protector 19.

In practice, the device will often be produced by an injection molding process. Such processes tend to be preferred in order to generate the rather precise variable thickness and dimensional tolerances of the device. In some embodiments, the device may also be formed by a curing by compression molding process.

It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A fingertip covering device for allowing a player of a fingertip manipulated stringed musical instrument to continue to manipulate the stings with high dexterity, while minimizing fingertip damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact, said device comprising: a fingertip covering extending from at least the fingertip region of the finger to at most the distal interphlangeal joint region and the distal half of the middle phalanx of said finger; said covering comprising a variable-thickness deformable polymer with a maximum thickness at the fingertip and a minimum thickness at the sides of said finger; said maximum thickness being chosen to be sufficient to substantially protect said fingertip region from damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact while at the same time allowing said fingertips to continue to sense the presence of said string; and said minimum thickness being chosen to minimize contact or interference with neighboring fingers and/or any similar coverings being worn by said neighboring fingers.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said fingertip covering has inner dimensions that substantially conform to the dimensions of the player's fingers that are covered by said covering.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the dimensions said player's fingers are calculated based upon the diameter of one or more of the player's finger or fingers as measured at the distal interphlangeal joint region of said finger or fingers.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said deformable polymer comprises a vinyl, latex, silicon, polyisoprene polymer or a substantially non-allergenic polymer.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said deformable polymer is a substantially transparent polymer, thereby producing a visually inconspicuous covering.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said maximum thickness is between 0.9 mm and 1.6 mm.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said minimum to maximum ratio is between about 1:2 to 1:10.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said deformable polymer has a Shore hardness value between about 20 to
 60. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said covering is produced using an injection molding process.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said covering is pressured adhered to said finger with or without an adhesive.
 11. A fingertip covering device for allowing a player of a fingertip manipulated stringed musical instrument to continue to manipulate the stings with high dexterity, while minimizing fingertip damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact, said device comprising: a fingertip covering extending from at least the fingertip region of the finger to at most the distal interphlangeal joint region and the distal half of the middle phalanx of said finger; said covering comprising a variable-thickness deformable and at least partially transparent non-allergenic polymer with a maximum thickness at the fingertip and a minimum thickness at the sides of said finger; said polymer having a Shore hardness between approximately 20 and 60; said maximum thickness being chosen to be sufficient to substantially protect said fingertip region from damage caused by string-to-fingertip contact while at the same time allowing said fingertips to continue to sense the presence of said string; said minimum thickness being chosen to minimize contact or interference with neighboring fingers and/or any similar coverings being worn by said neighboring fingers; wherein said minimum to maximum ratio is between approximately 1:2 to 1:10; and wherein said fingertip covering has inner dimensions that substantially conform to the dimensions of the player's fingers that are covered by said covering.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said maximum thickness is between 0.9 mm and 1.6 mm.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the dimensions said player's fingers are calculated based upon the diameter of one or more of the player's finger or fingers as measured at the distal interphlangeal joint region of said finger or fingers.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein said covering is produced using an injection molding process.
 15. A method of allowing a player of a fingertip manipulated stringed musical instrument to continue to manipulate the stings with high dexterity, while minimizing fingertip damage caused by string to fingertip contact, said method comprising: providing a fingertip covering on those fingertips where protection is desired; said covering extending from at least the fingertip region of the finger to at most the distal interphlangeal joint region and the distal half of the middle phalanx of the finger; said covering comprising a variable thickness deformable and at least partially transparent non-allergenic polymer polymer with a maximum thickness at the fingertip and a minimum thickness at the side of said finger; said polymer having a Shore hardness between approximately 20 and 60; said maximum thickness being chosen to be sufficient to substantially protect said fingertip region from damage caused by string to fingertip contact while at the same time allowing said fingertips to continue to sense the presence of said string; said minimum thickness being chosen to minimize contact or interference with neighboring fingers and/or any similar coverings being worn by said neighboring fingers; wherein said minimum to maximum ratio is between approximately 1:2 to 1:10; and wherein said fingertip covering has inner dimensions that substantially conform to the dimensions of the player's fingers that are covered by said covering; applying said fingertip covering to said fingertips where protection is desired; And playing said fingertip manipulated stringed musical instrument using fingers protected by said fingertip covering(s).
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said maximum thickness is between 0.9 mm and 1.6 mm.
 17. The method of claim 15, further using an injection molding process to produce a plurality of said coverings with different sizes, and wherein said different sizes are chosen so that at least some of said sizes substantially conform to the dimensions of the player's fingers from 90 percent or greater of the average player population.
 18. The method of claim 17, further determining the dimensions of an individual player's fingers by calculations based on measurements of the diameter of one or more of the individual player's finger or fingers at the distal interphlangeal joint region of said individual player's finger or fingers, and using said calculations and/or dimensions to select from the plurality of said coverings with different sizes.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said individual player's index finger distal interphlangeal joint region is used for said measurements. 